Les Bordes Estate has appointed Massimiliano ‘Max’ Binda as Chief Executive Officer. As the CEO of Les Bordes, Max will be responsible for running all facets of the business.
With over 30 years of experience, Max has a proven international hospitality track record overseeing a diverse portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, and private residences. In his last role as General Manager, he oversaw the implementation of Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Co’s operations, sales, and marketing strategy for the entire hospitality portfolio in Qatar.
Previously, he served as the General Manager at The Connaught in London, where he successfully repositioned the hotel as one of the top luxury properties in its segment, garnering numerous accolades.
A seasoned hotel operator, Max started his career with the Mandarin Oriental and spent 18 successful years at their Hong Kong, London, Munich, Geneva, Marrakech, and Shanghai properties. He has completed multiple hotel openings, having been involved in the conceptualization, development, and execution of each. Max also spent time at the landmarked property, Hotel Legend Metropole in Hanoi. An Italian native, Max is fluent in Italian, English, French, and German.
“It is a privilege and an honor to be appointed to the helm of Les Bordes,” said Max. “Working closely with the team, we have a unique opportunity to deliver an elevated and meaningful experience to our members, future residents, guests, and community. I look forward to accelerating and executing our vision by creating a timeless destination in the heart of Loire Valley and building value for our shareholders. With its rich history, it is an exceptional property, and I look forward to being a part of this evolution.”
Max’s arrival at Les Bordes Estate brings a fresh breeze into the exciting developments already underway. Globally recognised for being home to one of the world’s most prestigious golf clubs, the last two years on the Estate have been devoted to delivering new life into France’s famed Loire Valley region, with a host of new family facilities having been completed including a natural swimming lake with a white sand beach, enhanced equestrian facilities, boating lakes, archery, fishing, cycle and electric quad paths and a new tennis centre. Younger family members can experience a petting farm, go-kart track, pony riding and adventure playgrounds to name but a few.
July 2021 saw the opening of a much anticipated second 18-hole golf course, designed by globally acclaimed American architect Gil Hanse. He created the 2016 Rio Olympic Course and world top-100 courses Castle Stuart and Ohoopee Match Club. Les Bordes is his debut original design project in continental Europe. Hanse also designed the new 10-hole short course at Les Bordes named the Wild Piglet. The New Course has already been placed in the ‘Top 100 Courses in the World’ by Golf Magazine.
Additionally, leading architects Michaelis Boyd – known for their work designing interiors for Soho House (LA, Berlin, Oxfordshire), and The Groucho member’s club in London – and multi award-winning interior design studio Morpheus & Co. (Six Senses Residences Courchevel, Club Thirty Nine, Monte Carlo) have been commissioned by Les Bordes to collaborate on delivery of the Cour du Baron residences – 45 dwellings sitting in a secluded wooded area to the south of the site. Other near-term plans include the announced partnership with Six Senses for the transformation of the 19th century ‘Chateau Bel Air’ into a hotel and spa, 50 Six Senses residences and the creation of a community Village Square.
Only a 90-minute drive from Paris and spread across 1,400 acres of mythical Sologne Forest, the Estate is embraced by nature with a strong sense of community and connectivity. The Loire Valley is already recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage region famous for its historic châteaux, medieval towns, fine wine, cuisine and breath-taking landscape, only being further enhanced by the future developments at Les Bordes Estate and the valuable addition of Max Binda to the management team.
